News
HID Global acquires U.K. maker of miniaturized reader devices

HID Global announced that it has acquired Access-IS, a provider of miniaturized reader devices.

The company’s device solutions include barcode reading and image processing for document scanning and NFC and EMV for mobile ticketing.

“Access-IS solutions are a good fit for HID. Strategically aligned with both our existing Extended Access Technologies business and HID’s transport and ticketing solutions in our Identification Technologies business, Access-IS will enhance HID’s industry leadership while positioning us for growth in a variety of attractive markets,” said Björn Lidefelt, CEO of HID Global, in a statement. “HID and Access-IS share a similar purpose to embed trust in physical products as a bridge to the digital world.”

According to HID, more than 100 million transactions are processed through Access-IS products daily and its installed base includes over 20,000 systems used in public transportation and ticketing around the world. There are more than 50,000 users of its identity and security solutions (e-Passport, e-ID and e-driver’s licence readers for government and commercial applications) and its products are installed in over 200 airports.

HID says it will leverage the company’s technology to fuel further expansion, and EMV contactless payment readers from Access-IS will broaden HID’s offering in the financial sector and other markets.

Reading, U.K.-based Access-IS was founded in 1985. The company has 120 employees serving customers in over 200 countries.

Access-IS is now a business unit within HID’s Extended Access Technologies’ Business Area, which is led by Steve Currie, vice-president and managing director.